New radio channels coming to resource roads

Forestry road users are being asked to prepare for a change in the way they communicate in the backcountry.

Starting Nov. 16, new resource road radio channels will come into effect.

It’s part of a province wide, safety-oriented project aimed at standardizing two-way radio communications on forest service roads and some resource roads. This project includes standardized signage, new dedicated resource road radio channels and standardized call procedures.

The Chilliwack Natural Resource District will begin implementing new resource road radio channels commencing on Nov.16. Districts on the Coast, Cariboo, Southern and Northern Interior have already transitioned or are currently transitioning.

Forest industry workers and other road users using mobile radios must have their radios reprogrammed to incorporate the new resource road channels, says a ministry spokesperson.

It is recommended that road users retain current radio frequencies until they are sure they are no longer required.

New signs posted on local resource roads indicate which radio channel to use and the calling interval, with drivers required to indicate their direction of travel and their vehicle type. Drivers using mobile radios must call according to the posted channels and call protocols.

All road users are reminded that forest service roads are not radio-controlled, but radio-assisted. All users should drive safely and according to road and weather conditions.

It is strongly recommended that all resource road users exercise additional caution during this transition period.

Local resource road safety committees have worked together to implement these changes. More information (including radio communications protocols, radio channels, maps and standardized signs) is available online at: www.for.gov.bc.ca/dck/Engineering/RR_RadioChannels.htm

Anyone with any questions about this project can contact the Chilliwack Natural Resource District office (Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations) at (604) 702-5700, the website above, or Industry Canada at 1 800 667-3780.